I'm innocent, says freed Barrymore

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

He and two other men were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of seriously sexually assaulting and murdering 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock, whose body was found at Barrymore's home in Roydon, Essex, in March 2001.

The TV presenter, 55, who lives in London, was released on police bail without charge pending further inquiry after being held by detectives for nearly 36 hours.

He was driven out of the back of a police station at South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, and made no comment to waiting journalists but his lawyer, Henri Brandman, stressed his innocence.

Mr Brandman said: "Michael has not been charged with any offence. He is fully co-operating with the police in their enquiries. He categorically denies the allegations that have been made."

Mr Lubbock, from Harlow, Essex, had been one of a number of guests at a party the night before his body was discovered at Barrymore's house in 2001. Post-mortem results showed he had suffered severe internal injuries which suggested sexual assault. Ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol were found in his bloodstream.

A lengthy investigation was conducted but no-one was charged with any offence in relation to Mr Lubbock's death. Barrymore later accepted a police caution for drugs offences.

Essex police then reopened the inquiry in December 2006 after a review of the first investigation.

Detectives questioned Barrymore and the two other men - named by sources as Justin Merritt 32, from Harlow and Jonathan Kenny, 37, of Blackpool, Lancashire - on Thursday and Friday.

Police sources said Merritt has also been released on police bail without charge pending further enquiries. Kenny is understood to be in hospital after becoming ill during questioning.